Proposed Starlet Program for OES

Proposed “Starlet” Program for OES

To: Grand Chapter Membership Committee

Submitted by: Kay Finnerty, PM, Dawn #125, Carrie Andree, Dawn #125

As we are all aware, we need ideas for increasing our membership. We are proposing the following program for potential new members.

As you may or may not be aware, Jobs Daughters has a “Bee” program. This program identifies potential underage members and involves them with Bethel activities. Our proposal would mimic this. It is a given that these potential members would not be allowed access to closed Chapter meetings. We believe that inclusion, earlier than membership age, might increase the likelihood of them joining when eligible. Including their friends in these activities could also promote membership in the Bethels and Assemblies. We would consider including Demolay, if that would seem appropriate but would probably suggest this type of program to the Masons for them to cultivate potential members through that organization.

We realize that these young people’s education is paramount, and we need to make sure that we limit weekday activities/duration of activities during the school year. Following are a few ideas to get started:

 Invite them to go with us to any nursing home or the HOME to entertain, do crafts, read to or write for the residents....take cookies, fruit, or candy treats.  Collect food and deliver it to a food bank.  Serve a meal at the Denver Rescue Mission, or similar.  Collect and deliver school supplies to local elementary schools.  Help cook/serve a meal at the Fisher House (the WGP's special project)  Volunteer at the Cat Rescue or any animal shelter (the WGM’s special project).  Make pillows/beds and/or collect supplies for animal shelters.  Bake & deliver cookies to the Firemen/Police Station close to the lodge.  Make and take Boo-Boo bunnies to Children's Hospital or the Ronald McDonald House.  Offer a "Service Day" to the elderly (rake leaves, clean house, buy groceries, paint).  Get them involved in extracurricular Chapter activities, such as Bingo at the VA and street cleaning for Dawn Chapter.  Movie Night.  Pizza/Bowling Party.  Board Game Night.  Having them assist with planning, preparing and executing any parties such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Easter, etc.  Involve them in skits and entertainment for Chapter.

We then need to be prepared to assist the youth with their projects as well. We should also consider doing a “mom and dot” type relationship, where one member of Star is paired with a youth. This would instill a one-on-one relationship and a single point of contact for the girl should she have questions or just need someone other than a parent to talk too (a mentor type relationship).

Lastly, we could accompany these girls, once members, to a chapter meeting for introductions, if they leave their immediate area for college. Hopefully, this would keep them involved while pursuing their college career.